FINAL SCENES

Southland Times, Issue 22486, 22 January 1935, Page 6

FINAL SCENES

ROYAL TOUR PRINCE TAKES HIS DEPARTURE MEMORABLE ENDING (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, January 21. Seven thousand pin flags fluttering over seven thousand juvenile heads at Lancaster Park this morning communicated to the Duke of Gloucester the warmest message of affection from the children of Christchurch and its envir-

ons. The demonstration was in every respect inspiring, and the enthusiasm broke its'bounds when the Duke, wearing the colourful' uniform of a Colonel of the Tenth Hussars walked slowly down the ranks of the youngsters. The cheering did not come from the children alone, since the adult population had attended the function in full force, and the acclamation was deafening when his Royal Highness, remembering the presence of older people, circled the ground in his car in order that all should gain a good view of him.

From the hotel entrance to the Park where the demonstration was held sightseers lined the route and the Duke’s arm was incessantly on the wave, acknowledging salutations. One enthusiastic group threw streamers into the passing car and received a glowing smile from the Royal visitor. The Duke was about early this morning and he paid an informal visit to the Riccarton racecourse, where he had a gallop on the track, being in the saddle on three different horses. The weather was brilliantly fine for the concluding engagements this afternoon, the programme including around of calls to public and private hospitals and a visit to the Christchurch Club. Intense Enthusiasm.

Amid scenes of intense enthusiasm H.M.A.S. Australia, with the Dulce aboard, left Lyttelton for Russell at 7.30 to-night. The Duke had spent the afternoon at Christchurch. His engagements, apart from visits to public and private hospitals, included the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Sandiland returned soldiers’ settlement administration block.

The progress of the Royal car from Christchurch to Lyttelton was followed with intense public interest, groups of people lining the route like trees growing by the wayside. The demonstration on the Lyttelton wharf was inspiring. Thousands packed the approaches and the wharf railway platform, and gave his .Royal Highness a memorable farewell.

“I am very sorry my visit to New Zealand has come to an end” said the Duke in replying to the farewell of the chairman of the Harbour Board. “I have enjoyed myself very much indeed.”

OFFICIALS THANKED THE GOVERNMENTS GRATITUDE. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, January 21. With the conclusion to-day of the official section of the New Zealand tour of the Duke of Gloucester, the opportunity was taken by Sir James Young, Minister-in-Attendance, to express the thanks of the Government to the members of the New Zealand official party who accompanied his Royal Highness. Addressing a parade of the special police and detectives under the Commissioner, Mr W. G. Wohlmann, the Minister said the work of all ranks had been magnificent, and had won the warm-hearted appreciation of the Government. The duties of some of the men had been particularly arduous, especially those who were responsible for the motor-cycle work. The detective branch, too, required special mention, because its members had been on duty without a let-up in order to provide the necessary service throughout the 24 hours in the protection of the person of his Royal Highness. The general rank and file, Mr Young added, had discharged their duties with skill and tact, their work in controlling crowds and regulating all forms of traffic being particularly commendable. New Zealand was to be congratulated on having such a fine force imbued with the right sense of duty to the community. The Minister communicated to the official chauffeurs the Government’s thanks for their loyal and efficient services. It was not generally realized that apart from ceremonial occasions the drivers had been on call continuously and at times had to travel all night between railway engagements to ensure the adherence of the following day’s schedule. The character of the men was most exemplary. Their work had been efficient in the highest degree.

Sir James Young similarly addressed the baggage officers, whose work was most exacting. It was a matter of congratulation and satisfaction that out of the 350 packages handled daily during the tour not one was lost.